Counsellors are always here

We are here for any child or young person with any concern to contact us at any time.

This Christmas, our Childline counsellors will be there throughout the festive holiday to talk to young people who are feeling unhappy, worried or upset.

During the last Christmas holiday a teenage boy who contacted Childline, told a counsellor: “I am planning on taking my life within the next hour.

“It’s New Year’s Eve and I do not want to face another year.

“I have never had love in my life and I have no friends or family.

“I live in care and I am totally alone in this world.

“I just have to end the pain.”

Being able to give a young person, such as this teenager, a place to turn for support makes it a Christmas extremely well spent for our dedicated staff and volunteers.

And it is extremely heartening to hear that such support has helped young people move forward in their lives.

One 18-year-old girl told us: “All the counsellors I have spoken to have given me the strength to continue for another day.

“Many have made me laugh and cry because they were so nice to me, and I’ll never forget the ones that stopped me from taking my life.

“I genuinely believe Childline counsellors are angels, they might be normal everyday people, but their passion and determination to help and listen and their words will stick with me for life.”

Children or young people can contact Childline at any time, every day of the year including Christmas day, on 0800 1111 or www.childline. org.uk.

Adults can call the NSPCC’s free and confidential Helpline on 0808 800 5000.